TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai proposed a religious freedom law during a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission XIII. The proposal came as the country saw persistent religion-based intolerance incidents.
"The Ministry of Human Rights has proposed, and I've spoken with the Minister of Religious Affairs, to introduce a law on freedom of religion," Natalius said during the meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as quoted from Antara.
The discussions about the proposed law are underway, according to the minister, as Minister of Religious Freedom Nasaruddin Umar proposed the instrument be called "protection of religious communities" instead of "freedom."
"This is still being debated, but maybe we could find a middle ground by 2027 or 2028. Who knows," Natalius said.
During the meeting, Bias Layar, a member of Commission XIII, underscored the ongoing societal conflict regarding the prohibition of religious activities for members of certain religions.
"This issue often leads to property destruction and acts of violence that impact physical and mental health," said Bias.
He pushed Natalius to firmly uphold religious freedom to prevent recurring incidents. "Because this is enshrined in the 1945 Constitution," he added.
Meanwhile, Edison Sitorus, another member of Commission XIII, specifically addressed the controversy surrounding the sealing of the place of worship of the Thessaloniki Ecumenical Christian Fellowship (POUK) in Teluknaga, Tangerang, Banten.
"In Tangerang, Pak Minister, the POUK congregation's place of worship in Teluknaga District was sealed on April 3 after Good Friday services. It was carried out by the municipal police," Edison said.
"I would like to ask, Pak Minister, what is your response to this incident and what are your solutions? I am a Muslim, but when people of other faiths are denied religious freedom, I believe this is a violation of human rights," he continued.
Minister Natalius said he had assigned human rights offices across the regions to address the problem, which he deemed had been resolved. "We have reopened the place of worship in Banten," he said.
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